10 Changes India should make across all formats in 2022

9. Always play a practice match before playing an Overseas Test

Winning matches outside home is one of the toughest tasks. Add to the fact that it generally takes time for players to get accustomed to the overseas conditions. If the individuals aren’t familiar with how the pitch is going to behave, expecting them to instantly make a mark in an away Test is too much to ask for.

Thus, India always needs to ensure that they play a practice game before playing an overseas Test series. Not only does this gives the players an idea of what to expect, but it also gives them the luxury to experiment before the important matches. In places like England and South Africa, where the conditions are adverse for the batters, to say the least, it helps India’s batters to get used to the uneven swing and bounce respectively.

Over the years, there have been several cases where India have gone on to play an overseas series without playing a practice match, and thus, have ended up losing the series. Thus, the BCCI needs to make it a habit to ensure that practise matches are arranged before an away tour.